Conceptual design of the space disposal system for the highly radioactive component of the nuclear waste

Hyungjin Kim, Chul Park and Oh Joon Kwon

Energy, 2016, vol. 115, issue P1, 155-168

Abstract: A system for space disposal of the most radioactive component of the spent fuel produced by the nuclear reactors is designed conceptually with an intent of ensuring safety. Unlike the earlier design by NASA, this system is to use a commercially available launch vehicle and be launched from the western Pacific Ocean. It will fly low until it acquires Earth-escape velocity, so that the nuclear package will not fall on land in case of system malfunctioning. The package will be parked in one of the lunar libration points L4 or L5, and kept vigilant by a watch-dog orbital transfer vehicle which will push the package away in case an asteroid approaches. The calculation shows that such a safe system will be feasible and relatively cheap. The details of how the nuclear package is made, how the launch vehicle is made and flown, and how the nuclear package is managed in the final parking orbit are described.

Keywords: Space launch system; Atmospheric reentry; Ablation; Nuclear power plants; Spent fuel (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:115:y:2016:i:p1:p:155-168

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.09.012

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